For EMU users (romplers) tips for creating patches with the CORDS function(Balma)

balma

New member
One of the most interesting features on the EMU romplers on the patch edit section, is the cords function.

Cords function allows you to link certain patch parameters, to create interesting combinations, and control those links

with the programmable knobs. I present the most simple ideas trying to be creative with the patch cord programming, these are just a few of several routes I tried to explore...others are a headache to write here for a non english speaker

The cords work with the SOURCE/DESTINATION concept. On the EMU romplers, If I want to control the volume of the sound with the key sensivity, I have to link the VELOCITY parameter (source) with the AMP VOLUME (destination), so, the cord could look like this:


VEL+/- ----> AMP VOL + 127.





Creating a wide of phat effect using 4 layers with the same instrument:

On the patch programming section, you can specify the start point of the patch, from a range of 0~127.

You can assign the sample start point to a knob.

But the interesting point is to assign a different start point for each one of the layers, using the same instrument on the 4 layers...


Assign a lead sound to the layer 1, and with the copy layer function, copy it to the locations layer2, layer3 and layer4.

Then, go to the cords screen, and create this cord:


Layer 1

MIDI A -----> Start Point + 5

Layer 2

MIDI A -----> Start Point + 10

Layer 3

MIDI A -----> Start Point +15

Layer 4

MIDI A -----> Start Point +20


Try moving the Knob A, and listen carefully the effect that produces when the four layers loop and start at different times each one.


A similar effect can be produced, using the knob B to control the fine pitch:


Layer 1

MIDI B -----> Fine tune +1

layer 2

MIDI B -----> Fine tune -1

Layer 3

MIDI B -----> Fine tune +2

Layer 4

MIDI B -----> Fine tune -2



Now, activate the chorus function , assigning the same parameter to each one of the layers, program the third cord with these parameters:


Layer 1

MIDI C ------> chrsamount +20

Layer 2

MIDI C ------> chrsamount +40

Layer 3

MIDI C ------> chrsamount +60

Layer 4

MIDI C ------> chrsamount +80


A weird sample loop effect with the GAIN4X parameter,

GAIN4X can be source or destination. It's at both sides. GAIN4X amplifies, if you can program it correctly.


CORD 4: (For all the layers)

GAIN4x -----> Sloop +127

CORD 5: (for all the layers)

QUantize ----> GAIN4X +0


CORD 6 (fo all the layers)

MIDI D -----> CORD5Amount + 127


With these three cords, you will link the gain4x to the sloop. But this will only be activated, when you link something to it from the source and put GAIN4X again but as a destination . You leave this cord in 0, and then, you have to assign a MIDI controller to this 2nd cord, in order to control the amount of both cord programmations.



Creating a soft RANDOM effect for alive sounds.

On this cord, we'll play with the LFOS, and link it to the ampvolume of the instruments. You can use parameters a little bit different for each one of the layers to create a more unpredictable effect.


this is useful for pads:

Program on each one of the layers, on the LFO screen, a LFO1: RANDOM effect. Running free


Then, go to the CORDS section:

CORD 1:


LFO1 +/- ----> Lag0IN +100

CORD 2

LAG0 ----> QUantize +50

CORD 3

Quantize ----> AMPVOL +25


If you want to control the random effect instead assign a frozen parameter on the CORD 3, you can put the CORD 3 on 0, and then, using fourth CORD to assign a MIDI KNOB to control the CORD 3 on a specified range.

There are several ways to create this effect, and using a different one for each layer, will enhance the variety of the patch.

CORD 1

WHITE(or pink) ----> Quantize + 127

CORD 2

Quantize ----> AmpVelo + 0


CORD 3

MIDI F ----> CORD2Amount + 127


Instead AMPVelo, you can use the filterfrequency.


These are just a few and simple tips. Just to give the idea, if you need help with this, let me know...


BALMA
 
interesting post! (even though I don't have an E-Mu)
the Ion and Waldorf Q (and MicroQ) have an extensive modulation matrix (very similar to the Cord concept)!

I'm not sure what you mean by this
balma said:
CORD 2

LAG0 ----> QUantize +50
LAGO (LFO?) changes Quantize?

:cheers:
 
The Lags works to send several sources to a single destination. The EMU romplers have two types of lags, Lag0 and Lag1.

For example,

LFO1 +/- ----- LAG0 +127
LF02 +/- ----- LAG0 +127

then...

LAG0 ----- Filterfrequency +127

In this example, you are combining both LFOs, 1 and 2, before sending them to affect the filter of the patch

the Lag0 "softens" the source, so, when you want to have a little bit of random on the filter, you could send a pink noise throught a quantizer, wich give a small sentation of tempo to the random, and then, send this throught the LAG0, to atenuate the effect, and then, send it to its final destination, filter or volume envelope....

You can even create some sort of virtual analog sounds with the CORDS function, but you can take 2 hours programming just a single patch...
 
Thanks you very much for the tips. The cord function and your examples are really interesting.
 
TIPS FOR ENHANCING THE INTERACTION BETWEEN A PATCH AND ITS ASSIGNED USER ARPEGGIO:

The EMU arpeggiator, doesn't allow to record the arpeggio notes on its sequencer (command stations and proteus 2500). This is something rigid, an inconvenience when you want to change

some notes on the arpeggio, and get bored of hearing the same sequence of notes time after time.

But with this method, you can change certain notes of an arpeggio just moving the knobs.

Let's create a USER ARPEGGIO, on the user location 01, with these parameters... this is just a simple example, but you can make it longer, with the 32 available positions for each arp:


USER ARPEGGIO 01,

velo: velocity
trans: transponse or coarse
dur: duration or lenght of the note.

Note 1 velo 55 trans 0, dur 1/16
Note 2 velo 75 trans +5, dur 1/8
Note 3 velo 95 trans +2, dur 1/16
Note 4 velo 105 trans 0, dur 1/16
Note 5 velo 70 trans+12, dur 1/8
Note 6 velo 110 trans 0 dur 1/8
Note 7 velo 50 trans +2 dur 1/16
Note 8 velo 85 trans +5 dur 1/8


1. Go to the patch edition screen. use an "arp template" sound, that one that has default values. Using the COPY LAYER function on the Save menu, copy the layer1, to the locations 2, 3 and 4.

2. Go to the velocity zone programmation screen. Input these values:

Layer 1 velo range 01~60
Layer 2 velo range 61~80
Layer 3 velo range 81~100
Layer 4 velo range 101~127

3. Go to the CORD programmation screen. Input these values:


CORD1
layer 2, 3 and 4 desactivated
Layer 1:
Knob A ----> Pitch +5


CORD2
layer 1, 3 and 4 desactivated
Layer 2:
Knob B ----> Pitch -5

CORD3
layer1, 2 and 4 desactivated
Layer 3:
Knob C ----> pitch +2

CORD4
layer1, 2 and 3 desactivated
Layer 4:
Knob D ----> pitch +7


4. Go to the ARP programmation screen, and assign to this patch, the USER ARP that we programmed before.

Move the knob A. You will notice that only the notes 1 and 7 are affected by the knob movement, changing its transponse on +5

Move the knob B. You will notice that only the notes 2 and 5 are affected by the knob movement, changing its transponse on -5

Move the knob C. You will notice that only the notes 3 and 8 are affected by the knob movement, changing its transponse on +2

Move the knob D. You will notice that only the notes 4 and 6 are affected by the knob movement, changing its transponse on +7


You can program even more complex changes, activating all the layers on each cord, and assign them a different pitch change for each one of the layers, on just a single knob movement.

Also, instead modifying the pitch, you could program a specific filter freq for a single note, with a knob movement, ar the attact time, to create a reverse effect on certain notes inside

the arpeggio, panning changes, or fading and bringing in and out some specific notes.

Use your brain with this,....

Tip for creating dynamic patterns on Command stations!


The sequencer of the command station is simple beatiful. the most intuitive I ever use, despide its low resolution (364). Is one of the greatest tools for music composition on hardware devices, specially for dance scene controlling other devices with MIDI.

There is a way to create dinamic patterns, using the Multitrack function.

As you know, most of the sequencers, have a separation between the track number, and the MIDI channel number.

By default, the sequencer track number, coincides with the MIDI track number. but you can send by MIDI, for example, the track 1A, throught the MIDI channel 5 or 6 or whatever... or play the sound of the track 3 with the notes recorded on the track 1, but this makes no sense if you don't need it.

Taking advantage of the MULTITRACK function, you can create patterns, that suddenly can change the parameters of all its tracks, all at the same time, just pressing a track button.

Let's use the track #1, as the multitrack channel.

Record on the track #2, a kick patch, to guide the beat.

Record on the track #3, a hi/hat

Record on the track #4, a clap or a snare sound.

Record on the track #5, a bass

Record on the track #6, a synth lead

Record on the track #7, a pad

Record on the track #8, a sfx patch.


This is the complex part: on track 1 go to the MIDI assignment screen, where you can designate if the MIDI is internal, external, both or none. Assign the MIDI channel of this track #1, as the track #2. Now you'll have the sound of the track 2, the kick patch, on the track #1.

Record some change on it. A slow reduction of the filter, reducing the brightness of the kick. Or mute it at the last measure of the pattern, to create a bridge.

SAVE IT

Now, Assign the MIDI channel of this track 1 as the track #3. Now you'll have the sound of the track 3, the hi/hat, on the track #1

Record some change on it. A reduction of the gate time, or increase its volume, or an aleatory panning.

SAVE IT.

Now, assign the MIDI channel of this track 1 as the track #4. You already have on that track, information that will affect tracks 2 and 3, you'll keep overwriting it, but that information will remain there.

Record some change to the clap or snare sound, on the track 1. An addition of more snare notes at the end of the pattern, or a variation on the frequency.

SAVE IT


NOw, assig the MIDI channel of this track 1, as the track #5, the bass track. A change on the transponse with the crappy touchpad of the command station will be cool.

SAVE IT.


You have the idea....? Keep doing this if you want to, with all the tracks. Record on the track 1 as many changes as you want, for all the rest of the tracks.


Now, the important part: with the modwheel, change the MIDI track assignment of this track 1A, as "MULTI A channel". You have to move the modwheel completely to the left until the MultiA word appears....


SAVE the pattern with this track 1A MUTED!!!!


Now play the pattern, with all the tracks activated, except track 1. And then, activate the track 1. All the tracks will change according to your programmations on the track 1.
The kick will decrease its filter or be muted at the end of the pattern, the hi/hat will become shorter, the bass will change its pitch, etc. etc...

great for bridges, great for controlling several tracks simultaneously, great for changing preset parameters, without having to create a new patch and saving it, consument patch memory.

Great for enhancing your realtime performing.


hope to be helpful. This is valious information, if you love your command station....
 
Last edited:
Patch cords on the Emu Command Station

One of the most interesting features on the EMU romplers on the patch edit section, is the cords function.

......

These are just a few and simple tips. Just to give the idea, if you need help with this, let me know...


BALMA

Hi Balma!

I just joined this forum after reading your guide on the patch cords!
Thank you so much for explaining more detail! :berzerk:

I can't believe that no one thanked you for this!

So, I signed up, just to thank you sir! ;)

I've only just got one of these Command Stations... wow, they ARE DEEP !

Been listening to your Soundcloud stuff - like it very much !

Best regards from the UK !
 
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